By: Lisa Bayorek
We have an opportunity to show our kids that love, compassion and grace are for all people regardless of race, age, religion or circumstance. One of the most important things we can do is teach our children empathy and to care for others beyond themselves. Let’s teach them that no matter how small they are they can make a difference. Small children can help put items in a blessing bag, pick out school supplies for students in need, help bake cookies for the local fire or police department, pick out a gift for a foster child, and sing or make a card for the residents of a nursing home.
Blessing bags are an easy and wonderful way to teach children gratitude for what they have and compassion for those who have not. You could do it with any group of children or even as a family. Just gather a few of the items in the list below, fill the bags and you are all set to teach your kids how caring for others with an act of kindness is something they are all capable of. They will learn that the smallest gestures can make a big difference by simply putting a smile on someone’s face. Blessing bags can be kept in cars and handed out to people in need as they come across them or dropped off at a local shelter or church.
Ideas for the blessing bags:
- Socks
- Bottled water
- Band-aids
- Hand sanitizer
- Sewing kits
- Chapstick
- Non-perishable food items
I welcome your emails, suggestions and comments. Reach out to me via email at lisabayorek@macaronikid.com.
Lisa lives in Charleston with her husband and two sweet and crazy boys. She is a healthy-living enthusiast, foodie, farmers market aficionado and publisher mom for Macaroni Kid Charleston and Macaroni Kid Moncks Corner Newsletters. If you would like to learn more about Wildtree, host or attend a workshop or you are passionate about food and would be interested to share it with your friends and family visit her website at: www.mywildtree.con/lisabayorek or email: lbayorek@gmail.com